Canadian High Commissioner hands over Annual Rickshaw Relay to ASF

NGO News Desk :: The Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh organized its 3rd Annual Rickshaw Relay on February 13. The event, organized by the staff and families of the Canadian High Commission, raised funds for Acid Survivor’s Foundation.

The High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Mr. Benoît-Pierre Laramée visited ASF on April 27th to hand over the cheque to Acid Survivors Foundation.

Mr. Benoît-Pierre Laramée stated, “The Government of Canada has proudly supported the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) since its founding in 1999. We are happy to see that ASF has been successful in reducing the number of acid attacks and in helping acid survivors to reintegrate into society. The High Commission is proud that Canadian volunteers participated at the rickshaw relay to raise funds for supporting the ASF survivors. The advancement, promotion and defense of the human rights of women and girls is a key priority for the Government of Canada”

ASF’s Executive Director Selina Ahmed thanked the High Commission staff, sponsors and volunteers who participated in the Rickshaw Relay. Selina Ahmed stated, “ASF runs a 20 bed hospital where survivors of acid violence are able to receive free of cost medical treatment. ASF also provides legal and rehabilitation support to acid survivors” She further stated “Support and cooperation from the Government, Media and Civil Society has made it possible to reduce the number of acid attacks in Bangladesh”.

During the visit The High Commissioner, Mr. Benoît-Pierre Laramée and the event coordinator Lisa Lee met with acid survivors in ASF’s hospital.